sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park
About this Park
sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park is proudly managed and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band. It is located within the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band. Since time immemorial, the Osoyoos Indian Band’s ancestors have inhabited and cared for the lands and waters in their traditional territory.
Below is a link to an audio file. The nqilxʷcən/nsyilxcən place name for sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park was recorded by Osoyoos Indian Band Elder Jane Stelkia and Westbank First Nation Elder and language teacher Delphine Armstrong. Jane’s nqilxʷcən skʷist (traditional name) is qʷʕayxnmitkʷ xʷəstalk̓iyaʔ. Delphine’s nqilxʷcən skʷist (traditional name) is ɬək̓əmxnalqs.
In 2015, the park was renamed to reflect the traditional Okanagan place name for the area. The nqilxʷcən/nsyilxcən place name and history of sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ have been passed down for thousands of years through the oral tradition of capti̓kʷl stories and teachings.
sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ means “little falls.” This place name signifies a connection to the historic Kettle Falls in Washington state. The nqilxʷcən/nsyilxcən place name for Kettle Falls is sx̌ʷnitkʷ or “big falls.” These two falls were two of the most important fishing sites in the Okanagan Nation’s traditional territory.
The place name for sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ contains unique sounds in the nqilxʷcən/nsyilxcen language that are difficult to translate into the English alphabet. The x̌ʷ is a vibrational sound. Think of the sound of water hitting the rocks at the falls. The i sounds similar to “ee.” The kʷ sound is made with a rounded mouth and sounds similar to a soft “coo” sound.
Special notes
- Please note that sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park closes annually the third weekend of September for the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s Salmon Feast. The event raises awareness of Okanagan history and culture, as well as the Okanagan Nation’s efforts to revitalize and restore sockeye salmon numbers in the Okanagan River. Everyone is welcome to attend the celebration, but the campsites are closed to the general public on this weekend. More information is available at syilx.org.
- Syilx language speaker and Traditional Ecological Knowledge keeper Richard Armstrong shares the Syilx name, meaning, history and cultural significance behind the area known today as OK Falls. https://youtu.be/Zw0IH4BgdwY
Location notes
This park is located at the town of Okanagan Falls. It is on Green Lake Road, approximately 500 metres from the junction of Hwy. 97 and Green Lake Road. Use caution, as it is a narrow road with a blind corner.
Activities
- 73:Hiking A trail runs along the dike, on the west side of the Okanagan River and through the campground. It continues south outside the park boundary.
- 73:Fishing There is an interpretive sign developed by the Okanagan Nation Fisheries Commission, with information on the fishery in the Okanagan River. It is located beside the campground.
- 73:Wildlife viewing This park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- 73:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
- 73:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Facilities
- 73:Pit or flush toilets There are two pit toilets beside the service area and two flush toilets closer to the park entrance beside site 2.
- 73:Drinking water Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
- 73:Accessibility information Roads in the park are level and paved. One of the flush toilets is wheelchair-accessible with a paved path leading to it.
- 73:Campfires Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Location
49.34086, -119.58098 · South Okanagan
